What Is a Davit Window Washing System?
A davit window washing system is a roof-mounted crane-like systems that supports suspended platforms or bosun’s chair for window cleaning and façade maintenance for hotels and high rises. Davit systems are often used on mid-rise and high-rise buildings that do not have a permanent building maintenance unit. They offer flexibility, lower visual impact, and controlled access for exterior work.
It consists of removable or fixed davit arms that attach to engineered roof bases. Workers use these systems to safely reach exterior glass and building surfaces for window cleaning, inspections, and maintenance.
Davit systems are commonly used on:
- Residential condo towers
- Commercial office buildings
- Hotels and institutional buildings
- Mid-rise and high-rise structures without permanent BMUs
Main Components of a Davit System
Top-ranking industry sources consistently reference the same core components.
Davit Arm
A structural boom that extends over the building edge.
Usually made from aluminum or steel for strength and corrosion resistance.
Davit Base or Pedestal
An engineered anchor point installed on the roof or parapet.
Designed to handle vertical and horizontal loads based on building structure.
Suspended Platform or Cradle
The working surface for technicians and equipment.
Sized according to load requirements and façade design.
Rigging and Safety Systems
Includes lifelines, hoists, and fall protection equipment required by regulation.
How a Davit Window Washing System Works
The process follows a structured sequence.
- Davit arms are inserted into roof bases or pedestals
- A suspended platform is attached to the davit arm
- Technicians access the exterior façade from the platform
- The platform moves vertically and horizontally as needed
Once work is complete, davit arms can be removed or stored, leaving minimal rooftop equipment visible.
When Is a Davit System Used Instead of Other Access Methods?
Davit systems are often chosen when:
- A building does not justify the cost of a permanent BMU
- Rooftop aesthetics are a concern
- The façade design requires flexible access
- Multiple drop locations are needed
- Space for large mechanical systems is limited
In cities like Vancouver, davit systems are commonly seen on residential condo buildings where balconies, setbacks, or irregular façades make swing stages less practical.
Common Use Cases for Davit Window Washing Systems
Davit window washing systems are not limited to routine glass cleaning. They are designed to support a wide range of exterior access tasks on mid-rise and high-rise buildings.
Common use cases include:
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High-rise window cleaning on residential and commercial towers
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Exterior façade maintenance, including inspections and condition assessments
-
Sealant and caulking work around window frames and curtain wall joints
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Exterior painting and coating work where suspended access is required
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Glass panel replacement and controlled façade repair tasks
-
General façade access for engineers, maintenance teams, and contractors
This versatility is one of the main reasons davit systems are specified on buildings that require ongoing exterior maintenance but do not warrant a permanent building maintenance unit.
Davit Systems vs Other High-Rise Access Options
Understanding where davit systems fit helps decision-makers choose the right solution.
Davit System
- Semi-permanent or removable
- Flexible access points
- Lower visual impact
- Requires manual setup
- Suspended platform with continuous vertical travel
- Best for large, flat curtain-wall buildings
- Larger ground footprint
- Minimal equipment
- Ideal for complex façades
- Often faster to mobilize
Many buildings use more than one system depending on façade design.
Safety and Compliance Considerations
A davit system is only safe when properly engineered and maintained.
Industry best practices include:
- Engineered load calculations
- Certified installation
- Regular inspection and load testing
- Compliance with local safety regulations
In British Columbia, all suspended access systems must meet WorkSafeBC requirements and applicable CSA standards.
Safety planning is part of system ownership, not just contractor responsibility.
Designed for Safe Working Loads and Fall Protection
A properly designed davit system is engineered to support safe working loads and fall protection requirements for suspended access work.
When installed and used correctly, davit systems provide:
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Secure attachment points for suspended platforms
-
Controlled load distribution to the building structure
-
Redundant fall protection for technicians
-
Stable access for both personnel and equipment
Safety depends on proper engineering, certified installation, and regular inspection. The system itself is only one part of the overall safety plan.
Are Davit Systems Suitable for Vancouver Buildings?
Yes. Davit systems are well suited to many Vancouver high-rise buildings.
Local factors that support their use include:
- Glass-heavy façades
- Residential towers with balconies
- Coastal exposure where corrosion resistance matters
- Planning requirements that limit permanent rooftop equipment
Proper material selection, such as galvanized or stainless components, helps manage moisture and salt exposure.
Structural Considerations for Davit System Installation
Davit system performance depends heavily on how the bases and anchors are designed and installed.
Key structural considerations include:
-
Roof structure and load capacity
Davit bases must be engineered to handle vertical and horizontal forces created during use. -
High moment forces at the base
Davit arms generate significant leverage forces. Roof slabs and supporting structure must be evaluated accordingly. -
Wood-frame or lightweight structures
Buildings with wood or non-concrete roof construction may require alternative anchoring solutions or structural reinforcement. -
Material selection for coastal environments
Hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel components are commonly specified to improve corrosion resistance, especially in coastal cities like Vancouver.
Ignoring structural design details can lead to unsafe conditions or long-term damage to the building.
How Often Are Davit Systems Used for Window Cleaning?
Davit systems are typically used during scheduled façade maintenance.
Common intervals include:
- Two to four times per year for residential towers
- Quarterly for commercial buildings
- Custom schedules for waterfront exposure
They are also used for:
- Seal inspections
- Caulking work
- Glass replacement
- Exterior repairs
Key Questions Property Managers Should Ask
Before relying on a davit system, decision-makers should confirm:
- Is the system engineered for current loads?
- Are bases and anchors certified and inspected?
- Does the contractor have experience using davits?
- Is documentation available for strata or compliance records?
Clear answers reduce risk and project delays.
Industry Standards and Best Practices for Davit Systems
Davit window washing systems are designed and specified according to established industry standards.
Best practices commonly include:
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Engineering and certification by qualified professionals
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Design compliance with applicable safety standards
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Load testing and inspection before use
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Ongoing inspection and maintenance documentation
Depending on jurisdiction, davit systems are often designed to align with recognized standards such as ANSI and OSHA compliance requirements, alongside local regulatory frameworks.
In British Columbia, all suspended access equipment must also comply with WorkSafeBC requirements and applicable CSA standards.
Following industry norms protects workers, building owners, and property managers from unnecessary risk.
Final Takeaway
A davit window washing system is a practical, flexible access solution for many high-rise buildings. It fills the gap between permanent BMUs and temporary access methods.
When properly designed and maintained, davit systems support safe and efficient window cleaning and façade maintenance.
The right access system depends on building design, exposure, and long-term maintenance needs.
Need High-Rise Window Cleaning Using Davit Systems in Vancouver?
Northern Touch Property Care provides professional high-rise window cleaning in Vancouver, including buildings equipped with davit systems.
We work with property managers and strata councils across North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Downtown Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Abbotsford, Langley Coquitlam BC, New westminster/ Maple ridge/ Nanaimo/ to plan safe access, explain options clearly, and deliver compliant results.
Request a site assessment or free quote today.
